Mississippi State at Memphis

There is excitement brewing for this season, as the Bulldogs are projected to be a borderline top 25 team. They did well last year, considering the rugged nature of the SEC with only 10 returning starters, and a new system. The Bulldogs improved by over 80 total yards from the previous year, and should continue in that direction this year. That was despite the fact they had to play the last three National Champions - all on the road. This year they must face three potential top 10 teams on their schedule, but get them all at home. This year they return 16 starters, and are comfortable in the system. Memphis scored more than 20 points just twice a year ago. They have covered just four of their last sixteen as a double digit dog and they are 1-8 ATS in their last nine non-conference games. They will be hard-pressed to make much headway in C-USA this season as they have just nine starters returning. I look for Mississippi State to come away with a lopsided win here.